7-Day Road Trip Itinerary for Victoria, BC: Explore Nature and Culture

Day 1: Welcome to Victoria

Victoria, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jam Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jam Cafe, known for its delicious brunch offerings and cozy atmosphere.
Drive to the cafe, approximately 10 minutes from downtown.
CAD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Butchart Gardens

Explore the stunning Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site with beautiful floral displays and tranquil paths.
Drive 30 minutes from the cafe to Butchart Gardens.
CAD 38, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Dining Room at Butchart Gardens

Enjoy lunch at The Dining Room, featuring farm-to-table options and views of the gardens.
Located within Butchart Gardens.
CAD 35, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tour Craigdarroch Castle

Step back in time as you tour Craigdarroch Castle, an opulent Victorian mansion filled with history.
Drive 30 minutes from Butchart Gardens to Craigdarroch Castle.
CAD 15, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Stroll Downtown Victoria

Wander through downtown, visit local shops, and see sights like the BC Parliament Buildings.
Drive 10 minutes from Craigdarroch to downtown Victoria.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Il Terrazzo

Indulge in an exquisite Italian meal at Il Terrazzo, known for its romantic ambiance and fine dining.
Located in the downtown area.
CAD 70, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature Retreat

Brentwood Bay, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brentwood Bay Lodge

Enjoy a scenic breakfast overlooking the water at Brentwood Bay Lodge, known for its local dishes.
Drive 30 minutes from downtown Victoria.
CAD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kayaking in Brentwood Bay

Experience stunning vistas and marine wildlife on a kayaking tour through Brentwood Bay.
Kayak rental service is available nearby.
CAD 50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fishstore

Savor fresh seafood at The Fishstore, a casual eatery just steps from the marina.
Short walk from kayaks.
CAD 30, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore The Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Immerse in a magical world of butterflies and exotic plants at The Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
A 10-minute drive from The Fishstore.
CAD 20, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Beacon Hill Park

Take a relaxing stroll at Beacon Hill Park, a beautiful urban oasis full of gardens and paths.
Drive back towards Victoria, 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Blue Crab

Enjoy a waterfront dining experience at The Blue Crab, offering fresh local cuisine.
Located near downtown Victoria.
CAD 60, 2 hours
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Day 3: Discover Sooke

Sooke, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sooke Harbour House

Start your morning with an ocean-view breakfast at the renowned Sooke Harbour House.
Drive 45 minutes from Victoria.
CAD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit East Sooke Regional Park

Enjoy a hike in East Sooke Regional Park, known for its beautiful trails and rugged coastline.
Drive 20 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Outpost Sooke

Stop for a casual lunch at The Outpost, featuring local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
About 25 minutes from the park.
CAD 20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Sooke Potholes

Visit the remarkable Sooke Potholes, where you can relax by the river or take a refreshing dip.
Only a short drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Sooke Village

Explore the quaint shops and galleries in Sooke Village, immersing yourself in the local art scene.
Drive back to Sooke Village, 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Stickleback Grill

Dine at The Stickleback Grill, known for its relaxed ambiance and excellent seafood options.
Located in Sooke Village.
CAD 65, 2 hours
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Day 4: Culinary and Wine Experience

Cowichan Valley, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cowichan Bay Cafe

Relish a delightful breakfast with a view at Cowichan Bay Cafe, featuring local ingredients.
Drive 40 minutes from Sooke.
CAD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Wine Tasting at Cowichan Valley Vineyards

Sample award-winning wines during a guided tour at Cowichan Valley Vineyards.
Drive 15 minutes from the cafe.
CAD 15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Brentwood Restaurant

Enjoy a farm-to-table experience with fresh produce and local wines at The Brentwood Restaurant.
20 minutes drive from the vineyard.
CAD 40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Duncan's Cowichan Valley Museum

Learn about the history and culture of the area at the Cowichan Valley Museum.
A 20-minute drive from the restaurant.
CAD 10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre

Discover the maritime history of the region at the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre.
About a 15-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at 20 Oaks Restaurant

End your day with fine dining in an elegant setting at 20 Oaks Restaurant in Duncan.
Drive 20 minutes from the Maritime Centre.
CAD 70, 2 hours
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Day 5: Seaside Adventures

Sidney, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Beacon Landing

Start your morning in Sidney with a delicious breakfast at Beacon Landing, right by the water.
Drive 30 minutes from Duncan to Sidney.
CAD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Sidney Spit National Park

Take a ferry to Sidney Spit and enjoy hiking or relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches.
Board the ferry in Sidney, about a 15-minute drive.
CAD 25, Half day

1:00PM

Lunch at SeaChange Marine Conservation Society

Participate in a unique lunch that showcases the best of local seafood and sustainability initiatives.
Dine where you ferry back to Sidney.
CAD 40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Sidney Fine Art Show

Visit the Sidney Fine Art Show and witness local artistry and craftsmanship.
Drive back to Sidney for the show.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Dining Room at the Sidney Pier Hotel

Enjoy a lovely dining experience overlooking the marina at The Dining Room.
Located in Sidney’s downtown area.
CAD 65, 2 hours
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Day 6: Island Exploration

Salt Spring Island

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bakery at Salt Spring Island

Start your morning with fresh pastries and coffee at The Bakery, a local favorite.
Take a ferry from Sidney to Salt Spring Island, about 1 hour.
CAD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Salt Spring Island Vineyards and Winery

Enjoy a wine tasting and scenic views at the Salt Spring Island Vineyards and Winery.
Drive 15 minutes from the ferry terminal.
CAD 10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Treehouse Cafe

Experience a delightful lunch at Treehouse Cafe, surrounded by nature.
Drive 10 minutes from the winery.
CAD 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Ganges Village

Wander through Ganges Village, filled with shops, galleries, and local markets.
A short 5-minute drive from the cafe.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Salt Spring Island Heritage Centre

Learn about the island's history and culture at the Salt Spring Island Heritage Centre.
Located in the village, just a short walk.
CAD 5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Mediterranean Restaurant

End your day at The Mediterranean, a restaurant known for its fresh ingredients and unique dishes.
Drive back towards the ferry terminal.
CAD 50, 2 hours
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Day 7: Farewell Victoria

Victoria, BC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Thegrubstake Restaurant

Finish your trip with a satisfying breakfast at Thegrubstake Restaurant, which offers a variety of hearty options.
Return to Victoria by ferry, approximately 1 hour.
CAD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Royal BC Museum

Visit the Royal BC Museum, showcasing the natural and human history of British Columbia.
Short drive to the museum from breakfast.
CAD 20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fishhook

Enjoy lunch at Fishhook, famous for its sustainable seafood and vibrant atmosphere.
Located nearby the museum.
CAD 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shopping on Government Street

Spend time shopping and exploring local boutiques and souvenir shops on Government Street.
A short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Fairmont Empress

Take a moment to enjoy the iconic Fairmont Empress, a historic hotel with beautiful architecture and gardens.
Walk from Government Street, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Q at the Empress

Wrap up your adventure with a fine dining experience at The Q, located in Fairmont Empress.
Located within the hotel grounds.
CAD 75, 2 hours
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